Therapist to Trailblazer, a conversation with Kim Barthel

In this episode of the Irish Occupational Therapy Podcast, we are honoured to welcome internationally renowned occupational therapist, teacher, speaker, and author Kim Barthel. With over 40 years of experience, Kim is celebrated worldwide for her pioneering work in blending neuroscience, trauma-informed practice, and occupational therapy. Her mission is to support the healing of people and communities by deepening our understanding of the brain, behaviour, and the power of human connection.In our conversation, Kim shares her journey from clinician to international educator and business owner, a path marked not by rigid planning but by courage, intuition, and trust in her calling. We discuss the evolution of private practice, the challenges and the learning that come with stepping outside traditional models, and the importance of cultural sensitivity when working across countries and contexts. Kim reflects on the role of resilience, fierce love, and relational approaches in Irish occupational therapy, offering encouragement for Occupational Therapists to embrace their values and approach their work with curiosity and compassion. This inspiring dialogue serves as a reminder of how our profession can evolve when we ground ourselves in being, doing, belonging, and becoming, both for our clients and for ourselves. https://www.kimbarthel.ca/Kim's workshop in CorkPrivate Practitioner Networking Summit